Fig. 1 Sketch map for the sensor matrix that acquires data from nature. The sensor matrix contains multifunctional sensors which can efficiently fetch environmental data. For its high data collection speed, this data collection system has brought challenges to the downward data processing works.

Fig. 2 Global total data volume in contrast with the ability of data storage. Early in 2008, the data collected by sensors could not be completely stored (Baraniuk, 2011). It is estimated that the total data volume will be twice bigger than the storage ability in 2015.

Fig. 3 Traditional Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) and the Internet of Ecology (IoE). In this figure, different types of circles stand for different types of sensors. Traditional WSNs have its data flow in hierarchical tree shape, with single data direction and function sensors inside. The IoE supports mutual communication between the sensors, these internet based sensors are equipped with comprehensive data processing functions, which can share information throughout the network, feedback regulate the parameters in measurement and pre-process the data.

Fig. 4 The life cycle of ecosystem observation data. The adoption of the IoE, citizen science, universal data format, social network for data open-access and the control system of data version can improve the life cycle of ecosystem observation data, which also builds a virtuous circle for the development of ecology.